AFC South Power Rankings: Colts, Titans, Texans, and Jaguars QBs
By Brady Akins
3. Indianapolis Colts
This one was a toss-up between the Colts and the Titans. Overall resumes and a Hall of Fame legacy had me on the verge of giving the number two spot to Philip Rivers and the Indianapolis Colts. But this list isn’t about legacies, it’s about a player’s 2020 outlook. And if 2019 is any indication, Rivers might be in trouble with the Colts.
Rivers’ stats fell down the drain in 2019, as questions about his decision making and longevity started to pop up after throwing for 20 interceptions to 23 touchdowns in his 16th NFL season. However, Rivers is a future Hall of Famer for a reason and has bounced back from poor seasons before. With the help of one of the best offensive lines in football, there is a chance Rivers could return to form in Indianapolis and play like the quarterback he was two seasons ago.
But expecting Rivers to spring entirely back to form after such a down year would be a big ask, especially considering the veteran quarterback’s age and current situation. The Chargers’ legend will be 38 years old when the 2020 season starts, in a league that’s seen much more accomplished quarterbacks than Rivers hit the wall at around the same age. Plus, for the first time in his career, Rivers will be asked to learn an entirely new offense on an entirely new team with his move to the AFC South.
Maybe Philip Rivers will come out for the Colts next season and surprise everybody, but it’s far from a guarantee. And with his play last season, the smart money would probably be on Rivers looking more like the turnover-prone player he was in 2019.